Stefano Pioli’s side were beaten 3-1 by Crotone in their most recent encounter, which leaves them two points adrift of the all-important sixth spot heading into Saturday’s clash with their local rivals. It has been an extremely disappointing campaign for Inter, who got off to a poor start under the guidance of Frank de Boer and remain frustratingly less than the sum of their parts. Last weekend’s defeat by the relegation candidates ended any slim hopes the Nerazzurri had of climbing into the top three, with the focus now on securing a place in next season’s edition of Europe’s secondary continental club competition. Inter will have to be much improved against their local rivals, however, particularly in the defensive phase of the game.
Milan may only be narrowly ahead of Inter in the table, but they have had an altogether more positive campaign. Expectations were lower in the red-and-black section of the city heading into 2016/17 – largely as a result of off-field ownership uncertainty and a relative lack of investment – but Vincenzo Montella has done an excellent job of guiding his young side into European contention. A 4-0 thrashing of Palermo last time out will have raised the levels of confidence and self-belief in the camp, meaning they could upset the bookmakers’ odds and record a victory against their neighbours on Saturday.
Inter will have to make do without Roberto Gagliardini (ankle), but Pioli has an otherwise fully-fit squad of players to choose from this weekend. The nominal home team will line up in a 4-2-3-1 configuration; Mauro Icardi will resume his role as a lone centre-forward, with Ivan Perisic, Ever Banega and Antonio Candreva in behind, while two of Gary Medel, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Joao Mario and Marcelo Brozovic will anchor the midfield. At the back, Joao Miranda and Jeison Murillo will look to keep Milan’s frontline quiet.
Milan will once again be unable to call upon the services of Riccardo Montolivo (knee), Giacomo Bonaventura (thigh), Ignazio Abate (eye) and Andrea Bertolacci (thigh), but Montella has no fresh injury worries heading into the derby. The Rossoneri have employed a 4-3-3 formation for most of the campaign and will likely stick with that setup here, with central striker Carlos Bacca set to be supported by ex-Liverpool man Suso and Everton loanee Gerard Deulofeu.
Taking everything into account, it could be worth backing Milan to come out on top at San Siro. Inter have the more talented group of players on paper, but they have failed to deliver what is expected of them all season long and may once again come up short this weekend. Overall, though, it is the more favourable odds available on Milan which makes backing them a tempting proposition, while Suso would be a sensible selection to find the back of the net anytime.
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